MISSION TO METRICS

In our mission to rid the world’s oceans of plastic, we rely on a thorough understanding of the ocean plastic pollution problem. The research team at The Ocean Cleanup aims to refine our understanding of the sources, transport, and fate of ocean plastics. An important research aspect is understanding the heterogeneity of plastic accumulation at the ocean surface and its relation to the abundance of neuston. To this end, our research team is researching the spatiotemporal distribution of floating plastic debris and neuston in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

You will be responsible for analyzing Manta trawl samples collected from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in our laboratory in Rotterdam. Ultimately, your results will be applied to study plastic accumulation hotspots within the subtropical North Pacific Ocean.

Taking on the responsibility for the sample analysis and working independently in the laboratory is an important part of this internship. The success of this project relies on delivering high-quality data to achieve the objective of optimizing the collection of floating plastic debris accumulating in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for analysis of Manta trawl samples in our laboratory in Rotterdam and delivering high-quality data on the amount and type of plastics and neuston present in these samples.

Other responsibilities include:

Familiarize yourself with the different techniques used to extract and analyze plastics from Manta trawl samples
Use Raman spectroscopy to identify the polymer types of the extracted plastics
Collect quantitative data on the marine organisms present in the Manta trawl samples
Conduct data analysis, interpretation, presentation, and document everything in a report.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree, preferably post-graduate science education
Successful completion of marine science and biology courses
Experience with laboratory protocols, procedures, and safety measures
Experience with plastic pollution research
Experience with chemical and biological research in the laboratory
Basic knowledge of neuston taxonomy is a plus
Ability to clearly present and explain results of complex research to scientists
Fluent in English

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Be able to get to the essence of a technical challenge quickly and investigate the most relevant/important aspects to get to a solution direction
Able to perform well in a fast-paced and challenging environment
Curious, creative, and determined to deliver
Flexible team player
Ability to work independently
Strong organizational skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Intrinsic motivation to work on our ambitious and meaningful goal

Note that the candidate needs to be enrolled at a University (MSc program) during the entire internship.

DURATION: 6 months

Starting from:: Aug/Sept 2023
Work permit needed:: European Union; A valid European Union work permit is highly preferred for this position. However, feel free to send an open application so we can contact you if an opportunity arises in your country.

Interviews have started, but please feel free to apply, as we might consider new applications.